Kashima Antlers maintain perfect record in Asian Champions League

Kashima Antlers continued their impressive start to the Asian Champions League Elite on Tuesday, beating Vietnam’s Cong An Ha Noi 1-0 to claim their second consecutive victory. Nguyen Abou Leygley Minh’s own goal in the 61st minute proved decisive, sending the Japanese champions to the top of the eastern league-phase standings.

Gamba Osaka also maintained their winning momentum, recovering from an early deficit to defeat Newcastle Jets 3-1 in Australia. After Nikos Vergos opened the scoring, Yusei Toshida equalised before Deniz Hummet and Welton Felipe completed the comeback.

Beijing Guoan secured a 1-0 away victory against Thailand’s Buriram United through Fabio Abreu’s late header, while Kyoto Sanga edged Ratchaburi thanks to Temma Matsuda’s 88th-minute volley.

Shanghai Port drew 1-1 with Daejeon Citizen, and Johor Darul Ta’zim defeated Pohang Steelers 2-0, with Marcos Guilherme scoring twice.

The top eight teams in each regional league phase will advance to the knockout rounds.